Volkswagen Unveils Redesigned 2011 Caddy Minivan

This is Volkswagen's facelifted Caddy compact van that enters the 2011 model year with six new TDI diesel and TSI petrol engines returning up to 21 percent lower fuel consumption, a new nose, an upgraded interior and added standard features.

The exterior facelift includes a completely redesigned front end that draws inspiration from the latest Volkswagen models and re-trimmed tail lamps at the back. Inside, there's a new steering wheel design, a revised instrument cluster and higher-grade materials.

Also, for the first time the second row of seats is completely removable on all models. This allows for a maximum cargo capacity of 3,030 liters on the 5-seater Caddy, and up to 3,880 liters on the Caddy Maxi. In addition, a new ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and daytime running lights will be standard across the range.

The big news, however, is the new range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are equipped with turbocharging and direct fuel injection technology.

Those opting for a diesel have a choice of four engines with 75HP, 102HP, 110HP or 140HP. The 102HP and 140HP TDIs can be hooked up to an optional DSG dual clutch transmission, while the 110HP TDI exclusively available as a 4MOTION model with four-wheel drive.

Furthermore, the 75HP and 102HP TDI variants can be equipped with the fuel-saving BlueMotion Technology that includes a Start/Stop system and an automatic battery regeneration system for utilizing the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.

The redesigned Caddy's petrol lineup includes a new to the range, 1.2-liter TSI four-cylinder turbo engine with 86HP or 105HP. The most powerful version returns a combined fuel economy of 6.6lt/100km, equal to 35.6mpg US or 42.8 mpg UK, with CO2 emissions of 154g/km. Compared to the outgoing model consumption has thus been reduced by 1.6 liters or, 21 percent.

European buyers also have the choice of a natural gas version carried over from the outgoing Caddy, the 2.0 EcoFuel (CNG), which delivers an output of 109-horsepower.

Prices for the redesigned Caddy will start at €13,595 for the panel van and €14,205 for the Startline, in both cases excluding VAT. Sales will begin in Germany at the end of September, with other countries following shortly after.